Title:
ROTATABLE GOLF BAG HOLDER
United States Patent 3784138
Abstract:
A rotatable golf bag holder for use on various types of golf carts. The holder includes a rotatable base on which the bottom of a conventional pocketed golf bag rests and a rotatable ring assembly which encircles and clamps the top of the golf bag, permitting full 360° rotation of the holder and bag to provide easy access to the ball and accessory pockets thereof.
US Patent References:
Golf cart
Jacobs - September 1957 - 2806711
Stand
Perlstein - July 1951 - 2559317
Turntable
Barnett et al. - February 1967 - 3302594
Golf-bag holder
Smith - November 1923 - 1475605
Support for rotor-driven antenna
Chadowski et al. - July 1956 - 2756955
Golf cart
Jacobs - September 1957 - 2806711
Stand
Perlstein - July 1951 - 2559317
Turntable
Barnett et al. - February 1967 - 3302594
Golf-bag holder
Smith - November 1923 - 1475605
Support for rotor-driven antenna
Chadowski et al. - July 1956 - 2756955
Inventors:
Herling, Charles A. (Hagerstown, MD)
Maizlish, Bernard L. (Baltimore, MD)
Maizlish, Bernard L. (Baltimore, MD)
Application Number:
05/244047
Publication Date:
01/08/1974
Filing Date:
04/14/1972
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
280/DIG.006, 280/47.260, 224/274
International Classes:
A63B55/08; B62B1/06; B62B1/00; A63B55/08
Field of Search:
248/96,131,349,45,98 280/36C,47.13,47.19,DIG.5,DIG.6,47.26
US Patent References:
| 3580533 | GOLF CART BAG SECUREMENT APPARATUS | May 1971 | Nordland |
Primary Examiner:
Allen, Edward C.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Moore, Britton W.
Claims:
We claim
1. A rotatable golf bag holder for use on golf carts comprising:
2. In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said golf cart is a conventional hand pulled golf cart.
3. In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said golf cart is a conventional motorized golf cart.
4. In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said split ring and said rotatable base are made of plastic.
5. in a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said split ring has inwardly directed radial pin means of sufficient length to snugly engage the circumference of a golf bag.
6. In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 5, wherein said radial pin means are spring biased.
7. In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 5, wherein the surface of said radial pin means engageable with said golf bag are covered with a protective material.
8. in a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said split ring and said rotatable base ride in anti-friction bearing assemblies.
9. In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said split ring is pivotally mounted on said golf cart for pivotal movement to a collapsed position, and lock means is associated therewith whereby the split ring may be locked at any position within its range of pivoted travel.
10. In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base has a circumferential lip extending upwards from said base.
1. A rotatable golf bag holder for use on golf carts comprising:
2. In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said golf cart is a conventional hand pulled golf cart.
3. In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said golf cart is a conventional motorized golf cart.
4. In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said split ring and said rotatable base are made of plastic.
5. in a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said split ring has inwardly directed radial pin means of sufficient length to snugly engage the circumference of a golf bag.
6. In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 5, wherein said radial pin means are spring biased.
7. In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 5, wherein the surface of said radial pin means engageable with said golf bag are covered with a protective material.
8. in a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said split ring and said rotatable base ride in anti-friction bearing assemblies.
9. In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said split ring is pivotally mounted on said golf cart for pivotal movement to a collapsed position, and lock means is associated therewith whereby the split ring may be locked at any position within its range of pivoted travel.
10. In a golf bag holder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base has a circumferential lip extending upwards from said base.
Description:
This invention relates to a rotatable golf bag holder adapted for use with conventional golf bags and golf carts to permit ready access to all of the bag pockets and handles thereof.
In the conventional golf cart whether it be hand pulled, or motorized, a golf bag is firmly strapped or clamped in a fixed position which generally results in the bag being arranged on the golf cart with the pockets being inaccessible. When this occurs, it is necessary to unclamp or unstrap the golf bag, relocate it in a more favorable orientation, and then reclamp or restrap the golf bag to the golf cart. This operation takes time and is somewhat of an annoyance to one who is looking forward to an uninterrupted game of golf. When playing golf, it is time consuming and annoying to both those out on the fairway and those waiting to "tee off" for players obliged to unstrap and adjust their bags to gain access to the pockets thereof.
The foregoing situation occurs with more frequency than might be expected in that the conventional golf bag is constructed with a handle and shoulder strap on one side and pockets on the other side. Since it is easiest to pick up a golf bag by its handle, the bag is usually placed on the golf cart with the pockets facing rearwardly and in their least accessible position. In the typical hand pulled golf cart, a golf bag so positioned would have the pockets abutting the vertically disposed post, whereas in a ridable motorized cart, the pockets would be disposed against a similar post or frame, or directly against the vehicle's side wall.
In either event, with the bag firmly secured in place, the pockets cannot be reached without undoing the holding means, repositioning the bag, and resecuring it with the pockets forwardly disposed.
This problem, of course, could be avoided if the user of the bag placed it correctly on the golf cart at the outset of his game. This, however, is not always possible, since at most golfing areas, such as country and golf clubs, the golf bags are arranged on carts by employees who usually deposit a golf bag on a cart with the handle extending forwardly and the pockets of the bag rearwardly so as to be inaccessible. Thus, the average golfer usually starts his game with an incorrectly positioned golf bag.
Another problem encountered with conventional golf bag holders is that it is a time consuming and cumbersome process to strap a bag to a golf cart with the usual top and bottom straps.
The principal object of the present invention is to provide a means for rotatably supporting a golf bag on a golf cart to afford access to the pockets thereof.
An additional object is the provision of a rotatable golf bag holder which permits ready insertion and removal of a golf bag.
A further object is to provide a rotatable golf bag holder which is light and inexpensive to manufacture.
Another object is to provide a rotatable golf bag holder readily attachable to conventional golf carts.
The present invention solves the problem of positioning a golf bag on a golf cart by providing a rotatable holder that can be readily attached to a conventional golf cart for use with a conventional golf bag. A rotatable base member or "lazy susan" is mounted on the bottom of the golf cart. Axially aligned and spaced above the base member so as to be positioned near the top of the golf cart is a rotatable split ring assembly having inwardly directed spaced radial bag engaging pin members. The radial pins are spring biased and are positioned to firmly engage the annulus of the golf bag, with the split ring being hinged in two halves, secured together by a releasable catch so that the ring may be selectively opened or closed. Thus, to insert the bag it is only necessary to release the catch, open the ring, position the bottom of the golf bag on the rotatable "lazy susan" base, and then close the ring around the top of the bag. With the spring biased pin members pressing against the annulus of the bag, the split ring may be manually rotated in either direction within a range of 360° to reposition the bag with its pockets more accessible.
These and other objects and advantages will become more apparent from the accompanying description and drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional hand pulled golf cart with the rotatable bag engaging ring and bag end supporting "lazy susan" spacedly mounted thereon with the bag being shown in dotted lines;
FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the invention shown in FIG. 1 showing in dotted line the bag engaging split ring in its collapsed position;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective of the split ring and its mounting;
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the split ring and its mounting, showing in dotted line a golf bag mounted therein, and wherein the split ring may be hinged to the open dotted line position;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the split ring along the line 5--5 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the spring biased pin members along the line 6--6 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the split ring hinge along the line 7--7 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the split ring catch in its latched position;
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the split ring catch in its open position;
FIG. 10 is a side elevation of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1 showing in dotted lines a golf bag correctly oriented thereon;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the present invention arranged on a conventional motorized golf cart, with the latter shown in dotted lines;
FIG. 12 is a rear elevation view of the invention illustrated in FIG. 11 showing in dotted lines a golf bag mounted thereon.
Proceeding next to the drawings, wherein like reference symbols indicate similar parts throughout the various views, a specific embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.
Referring specifically to FIG. 1, the two major components of the invention including a rotatable split ring 1 and a rotatable base 2, are attached to the upper and lower ends of a conventional, collapsible, hand pulled golf cart, generally indicated by the numeral 3. A conventional golf bag 4, with pockets 5 and 5a, handle 6 and shoulder strap 7, (FIG. 10) is shown mounted thereon.
As can be best seen in FIG. 2, the golf cart 3 consists of a folding handle 8, a vertical post or standard frame member 9, and a bottom support frame member 10 connected at right angles to the vertical frame member 9 by a suitable clamp 11. Wheels 12 are connected to frame member 9 by swinging axles 13, hinged at 14, and locked in place by spring loaded pins, so that the wheel assemblies may be collapsed or folded in the usual manner.
The rotatable base 2 may be of any suitable material, such as, metal or plastic and is of the "lazy susan" type and mounted on the upturned outer end 16 of frame support 10 for full 360° rotation thereabout. Rotatable base 2 has a generally flat support surface 17 on which the bottom of the bag rests, and an upstanding circumferential lip 18 to keep the bag bottom from slipping off the base. As base 2 is journalled for rotation, it may be mounted on conventional ball bearings in sub-base 19 to facilitate smooth and easy rotation thereof.
As can be seen in FIG. 4, the rotatable split ring 1 consists of two semi-cylindrical portions 20 and 21, generally rectangular in cross section, which are hinged together by hinge pin 22. The split ring which may also be made of any suitable material such as, metal or plastic, is shown in its open dotted line position in FIG. 4. Formed in the upper and lower faces of each ring portion and extending around the circumference of split ring 1 are grooves 24 and 25 to receive conventional anti-friction bearing assemblies 26 and 27 suitably mounted within a split ring mounting assembly, generally designated at 28. The bearing assemblies perform the dual functions of maintaining the split ring 1 within the mounting assembly 28 while permitting free and easy rotation of the split ring relative thereto.
Split ring mounting assembly 28 is connected to frame 9 of golf cart 3 by any convenient means, such as, the adjustable two-piece mounting clamp 29-30 in FIGS. 2 and 3. The mounting assembly 28, is hinged by hinge pins 31 to frame member 9 so that the split ring can be folded down into the downwardly depending collapsed dotted line position of FIG. 2. In one embodiment the split ring mounting assembly 28 is divided into two segments consisting of a U-shaped mounting bracket 32 attached to mounting clamp 30 and a split ring housing 33 hingedly connected to mounting bracket 32 by a cooperating H-shaped bracket 34. A lock arm 35 is threadedly connected to a hinge pin 31 so that the hinged mounting assembly may be locked at any desired level in its range of movement, such as the full line bag engaging or the dotted line storage positions of FIG. 2. Split ring housing 33 is generally U-shaped with its bottom attached to bracket 34 and its upstanding legs 33a and 33b providing an area for split ring 1 to be inserted therebetween. Easy rotation of split ring 1 is accomplished by mounting suitable anti-friction bearing assemblies 26 and 27 in housing 33 to communicate with grooves 24 and 25 in split ring 1.
As previously mentioned, mounting assembly 28 is hinged so that the split ring may be stored in a folded down position. It is desirous, therefore, to provide lock means on the hinge so that the split ring remains in a selected position. One way to accomplish this is to provide a lock arm 35 which is threadedly connected to a hinge pin 31 whereby screwing in the lock arm will draw it closer to hinge pin 31 and thereby exert locking friction on brackets 32 and 34 so that the hinged mounting assembly may be held at any desired level in its pivoted range of movement, such as, the full line bag engaging or the dotted line storage positions of FIG. 2. When the split ring 1, lies in a plane parallel to flat surface 17 or base 2, the centers thereof will generally be in axial alignment to permit free rotation of a golf bag clamped within the ring and supported by base 2.
Arranged on and extending inwardly from the inner circumference of split ring 1 are two or more radial pins 36 having arcuate plates 37 on the inner ends thereof adapted to snugly engage the outer surface of golf bag 4 at spaced points. In order to accommodate golf bags of various sizes and shapes, the pins 36 may be variable in length and biased toward their extended positions. As illustrated in FIG. 6, one way to achieve the desired result is to construct the pin assemblies 36 of spring biased telescoping members. Thus, rods 38 projecting inwardly from split ring portions 20-21 telescopically receive sleeves 39 which are restrained in their longitudinal travel over rods 38 by pins 40 secured thereto. The ends of slots 41 in sleeves 39 provide the longitudinal limit stops for sleeves 39 as they abut pins 35, and the sides of slots 41 keep the sleeves 39 from rotating about rods 38. Sleeves 39 are maintained in their extended positions by springs 42 serving to keep the sleeves in snug engagement with the outer surface of a mounted golf bag to permit simultaneous rotation of the bag with the split ring. The arcuate plates 37 of the sleeves are enlarged and shaped so as to conform to the contour of a golf bag. With reference to FIG. 6, plates 37 may be covered by a suitable soft protective coating 43, such as, rubber or plastic, to preclude damaging or marring the engaged areas of the golf bag.
The split ring 1 is provided with a catch to enable its two portions 20 and 21 to be locked in their closed position. One form of such a catch is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Housed within ring portion 20 is spring catch element 44 consisting of a straight band portion 45 curving to form point 46 and leading up ramp 47 to a raised lip portion 48 and thereafter continuing to finger portion 49. Aligned with spring catch 44 in ring portion 21 is detent 50 having a lip portion 51. To close and lock the split ring, halves 20 and 21 are swung toward each other until the point 46 of catch element 44 enters detent 50 and the lip 51 rides up ramp 47 and over lip 48 as shown in FIG. 8. The spring action of catch 44 maintains lip 48 against portion 51 in detent 50 thereby locking split ring halves 20 and 21 together.
To open the split ring one need merely to depress finger portion 49 thereby moving the catch element to the dotted line position shown in FIG. 9, and swing halves 20 and 21 apart. It will, of course, be understood that the locking catch may assume other and more conventional forms, not shown. As the important aspect of the split ring assembly is that the upper end of a golf bag be encircled and so clamped that the ring and bag may be rotated to afford access to the pocketed areas of the bag. It will be evident that the ring assembly and its mounting on a golf cart may be altered to assume different embodiments.
In FIG. 10, a golf bag 4 is illustrated as being mounted within the holder arranged on a hand pulled golf cart. The bottom of bag 4 rests on surface 17 of base 2 with lip 18 thereof preventing the bag from slipping therefrom. It will be noted that the top of bag 4 is encircled by split ring 1 in its closed position with radial fingers 36 snugly pressing against the bag's circumference. In this mounted position, the split ring with the bag gripped therein may be manually rotated in either direction so that access can be had to pockets 5 and 5a, golf bag handle 6, and shoulder strap 7. In this connection, it should be noted that elements 1 and 2 should be located a sufficient distance from the cart post 8 to provide clearance for the bag pockets, handle, and strap.
Another embodiment of our invention is illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 wherein the rotatable split ring assembly and base are suitably mounted in a bag receiving section of a conventional motorized golf cart. Rotatable base 2 is secured to floor 53 of cart 51 and the split ring 1 is attached to wall 54 thereof. The elements 1 and 2 are installed in axial alignment with one another and the ring 1 is spaced above base 2 at a height sufficient to accommodate the top of a conventional golf bag. The invention as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is the same in every respect as that shown in FIGS. 1 through 10 with the exception that this embodiment is altered to adapt it to a different type of golfing vehicle. Mounting of the elements 1 and 2 could also be accomplished by utilizing an L-shaped pipe frame, not shown, similar to frame elements 9 and 10, with the base 2 being secured to the short leg of the L and the ring clamped to the top of the long leg of the L.
The entire assembly consisting of the L-shaped frame, split ring 1, and rotatable base 2 could then be mounted at any convenient position or angle in the motorized golf cart. In the alternative, elements 1 and 2 could be mounted, as shown, with base 2 secured to floor 53 and ring 1 attached to wall 54. The exact mode of attachment is of little consequence, provided the elements 1 and 2 are in axial alignment with one another and engage the opposite extremeties of a conventional golf bag to facilitate free rotation thereof. In either event, elements 1 and 2 must be positioned to permit free rotation of the bag, as previously described.
While we have illustrated and described two embodiments of our rotatable golf bag holder, it is to be understood that various changes and improvements may be made therein without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
In the conventional golf cart whether it be hand pulled, or motorized, a golf bag is firmly strapped or clamped in a fixed position which generally results in the bag being arranged on the golf cart with the pockets being inaccessible. When this occurs, it is necessary to unclamp or unstrap the golf bag, relocate it in a more favorable orientation, and then reclamp or restrap the golf bag to the golf cart. This operation takes time and is somewhat of an annoyance to one who is looking forward to an uninterrupted game of golf. When playing golf, it is time consuming and annoying to both those out on the fairway and those waiting to "tee off" for players obliged to unstrap and adjust their bags to gain access to the pockets thereof.
The foregoing situation occurs with more frequency than might be expected in that the conventional golf bag is constructed with a handle and shoulder strap on one side and pockets on the other side. Since it is easiest to pick up a golf bag by its handle, the bag is usually placed on the golf cart with the pockets facing rearwardly and in their least accessible position. In the typical hand pulled golf cart, a golf bag so positioned would have the pockets abutting the vertically disposed post, whereas in a ridable motorized cart, the pockets would be disposed against a similar post or frame, or directly against the vehicle's side wall.
In either event, with the bag firmly secured in place, the pockets cannot be reached without undoing the holding means, repositioning the bag, and resecuring it with the pockets forwardly disposed.
This problem, of course, could be avoided if the user of the bag placed it correctly on the golf cart at the outset of his game. This, however, is not always possible, since at most golfing areas, such as country and golf clubs, the golf bags are arranged on carts by employees who usually deposit a golf bag on a cart with the handle extending forwardly and the pockets of the bag rearwardly so as to be inaccessible. Thus, the average golfer usually starts his game with an incorrectly positioned golf bag.
Another problem encountered with conventional golf bag holders is that it is a time consuming and cumbersome process to strap a bag to a golf cart with the usual top and bottom straps.
The principal object of the present invention is to provide a means for rotatably supporting a golf bag on a golf cart to afford access to the pockets thereof.
An additional object is the provision of a rotatable golf bag holder which permits ready insertion and removal of a golf bag.
A further object is to provide a rotatable golf bag holder which is light and inexpensive to manufacture.
Another object is to provide a rotatable golf bag holder readily attachable to conventional golf carts.
The present invention solves the problem of positioning a golf bag on a golf cart by providing a rotatable holder that can be readily attached to a conventional golf cart for use with a conventional golf bag. A rotatable base member or "lazy susan" is mounted on the bottom of the golf cart. Axially aligned and spaced above the base member so as to be positioned near the top of the golf cart is a rotatable split ring assembly having inwardly directed spaced radial bag engaging pin members. The radial pins are spring biased and are positioned to firmly engage the annulus of the golf bag, with the split ring being hinged in two halves, secured together by a releasable catch so that the ring may be selectively opened or closed. Thus, to insert the bag it is only necessary to release the catch, open the ring, position the bottom of the golf bag on the rotatable "lazy susan" base, and then close the ring around the top of the bag. With the spring biased pin members pressing against the annulus of the bag, the split ring may be manually rotated in either direction within a range of 360° to reposition the bag with its pockets more accessible.
These and other objects and advantages will become more apparent from the accompanying description and drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional hand pulled golf cart with the rotatable bag engaging ring and bag end supporting "lazy susan" spacedly mounted thereon with the bag being shown in dotted lines;
FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the invention shown in FIG. 1 showing in dotted line the bag engaging split ring in its collapsed position;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective of the split ring and its mounting;
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the split ring and its mounting, showing in dotted line a golf bag mounted therein, and wherein the split ring may be hinged to the open dotted line position;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the split ring along the line 5--5 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the spring biased pin members along the line 6--6 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the split ring hinge along the line 7--7 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the split ring catch in its latched position;
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the split ring catch in its open position;
FIG. 10 is a side elevation of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1 showing in dotted lines a golf bag correctly oriented thereon;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the present invention arranged on a conventional motorized golf cart, with the latter shown in dotted lines;
FIG. 12 is a rear elevation view of the invention illustrated in FIG. 11 showing in dotted lines a golf bag mounted thereon.
Proceeding next to the drawings, wherein like reference symbols indicate similar parts throughout the various views, a specific embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.
Referring specifically to FIG. 1, the two major components of the invention including a rotatable split ring 1 and a rotatable base 2, are attached to the upper and lower ends of a conventional, collapsible, hand pulled golf cart, generally indicated by the numeral 3. A conventional golf bag 4, with pockets 5 and 5a, handle 6 and shoulder strap 7, (FIG. 10) is shown mounted thereon.
As can be best seen in FIG. 2, the golf cart 3 consists of a folding handle 8, a vertical post or standard frame member 9, and a bottom support frame member 10 connected at right angles to the vertical frame member 9 by a suitable clamp 11. Wheels 12 are connected to frame member 9 by swinging axles 13, hinged at 14, and locked in place by spring loaded pins, so that the wheel assemblies may be collapsed or folded in the usual manner.
The rotatable base 2 may be of any suitable material, such as, metal or plastic and is of the "lazy susan" type and mounted on the upturned outer end 16 of frame support 10 for full 360° rotation thereabout. Rotatable base 2 has a generally flat support surface 17 on which the bottom of the bag rests, and an upstanding circumferential lip 18 to keep the bag bottom from slipping off the base. As base 2 is journalled for rotation, it may be mounted on conventional ball bearings in sub-base 19 to facilitate smooth and easy rotation thereof.
As can be seen in FIG. 4, the rotatable split ring 1 consists of two semi-cylindrical portions 20 and 21, generally rectangular in cross section, which are hinged together by hinge pin 22. The split ring which may also be made of any suitable material such as, metal or plastic, is shown in its open dotted line position in FIG. 4. Formed in the upper and lower faces of each ring portion and extending around the circumference of split ring 1 are grooves 24 and 25 to receive conventional anti-friction bearing assemblies 26 and 27 suitably mounted within a split ring mounting assembly, generally designated at 28. The bearing assemblies perform the dual functions of maintaining the split ring 1 within the mounting assembly 28 while permitting free and easy rotation of the split ring relative thereto.
Split ring mounting assembly 28 is connected to frame 9 of golf cart 3 by any convenient means, such as, the adjustable two-piece mounting clamp 29-30 in FIGS. 2 and 3. The mounting assembly 28, is hinged by hinge pins 31 to frame member 9 so that the split ring can be folded down into the downwardly depending collapsed dotted line position of FIG. 2. In one embodiment the split ring mounting assembly 28 is divided into two segments consisting of a U-shaped mounting bracket 32 attached to mounting clamp 30 and a split ring housing 33 hingedly connected to mounting bracket 32 by a cooperating H-shaped bracket 34. A lock arm 35 is threadedly connected to a hinge pin 31 so that the hinged mounting assembly may be locked at any desired level in its range of movement, such as the full line bag engaging or the dotted line storage positions of FIG. 2. Split ring housing 33 is generally U-shaped with its bottom attached to bracket 34 and its upstanding legs 33a and 33b providing an area for split ring 1 to be inserted therebetween. Easy rotation of split ring 1 is accomplished by mounting suitable anti-friction bearing assemblies 26 and 27 in housing 33 to communicate with grooves 24 and 25 in split ring 1.
As previously mentioned, mounting assembly 28 is hinged so that the split ring may be stored in a folded down position. It is desirous, therefore, to provide lock means on the hinge so that the split ring remains in a selected position. One way to accomplish this is to provide a lock arm 35 which is threadedly connected to a hinge pin 31 whereby screwing in the lock arm will draw it closer to hinge pin 31 and thereby exert locking friction on brackets 32 and 34 so that the hinged mounting assembly may be held at any desired level in its pivoted range of movement, such as, the full line bag engaging or the dotted line storage positions of FIG. 2. When the split ring 1, lies in a plane parallel to flat surface 17 or base 2, the centers thereof will generally be in axial alignment to permit free rotation of a golf bag clamped within the ring and supported by base 2.
Arranged on and extending inwardly from the inner circumference of split ring 1 are two or more radial pins 36 having arcuate plates 37 on the inner ends thereof adapted to snugly engage the outer surface of golf bag 4 at spaced points. In order to accommodate golf bags of various sizes and shapes, the pins 36 may be variable in length and biased toward their extended positions. As illustrated in FIG. 6, one way to achieve the desired result is to construct the pin assemblies 36 of spring biased telescoping members. Thus, rods 38 projecting inwardly from split ring portions 20-21 telescopically receive sleeves 39 which are restrained in their longitudinal travel over rods 38 by pins 40 secured thereto. The ends of slots 41 in sleeves 39 provide the longitudinal limit stops for sleeves 39 as they abut pins 35, and the sides of slots 41 keep the sleeves 39 from rotating about rods 38. Sleeves 39 are maintained in their extended positions by springs 42 serving to keep the sleeves in snug engagement with the outer surface of a mounted golf bag to permit simultaneous rotation of the bag with the split ring. The arcuate plates 37 of the sleeves are enlarged and shaped so as to conform to the contour of a golf bag. With reference to FIG. 6, plates 37 may be covered by a suitable soft protective coating 43, such as, rubber or plastic, to preclude damaging or marring the engaged areas of the golf bag.
The split ring 1 is provided with a catch to enable its two portions 20 and 21 to be locked in their closed position. One form of such a catch is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Housed within ring portion 20 is spring catch element 44 consisting of a straight band portion 45 curving to form point 46 and leading up ramp 47 to a raised lip portion 48 and thereafter continuing to finger portion 49. Aligned with spring catch 44 in ring portion 21 is detent 50 having a lip portion 51. To close and lock the split ring, halves 20 and 21 are swung toward each other until the point 46 of catch element 44 enters detent 50 and the lip 51 rides up ramp 47 and over lip 48 as shown in FIG. 8. The spring action of catch 44 maintains lip 48 against portion 51 in detent 50 thereby locking split ring halves 20 and 21 together.
To open the split ring one need merely to depress finger portion 49 thereby moving the catch element to the dotted line position shown in FIG. 9, and swing halves 20 and 21 apart. It will, of course, be understood that the locking catch may assume other and more conventional forms, not shown. As the important aspect of the split ring assembly is that the upper end of a golf bag be encircled and so clamped that the ring and bag may be rotated to afford access to the pocketed areas of the bag. It will be evident that the ring assembly and its mounting on a golf cart may be altered to assume different embodiments.
In FIG. 10, a golf bag 4 is illustrated as being mounted within the holder arranged on a hand pulled golf cart. The bottom of bag 4 rests on surface 17 of base 2 with lip 18 thereof preventing the bag from slipping therefrom. It will be noted that the top of bag 4 is encircled by split ring 1 in its closed position with radial fingers 36 snugly pressing against the bag's circumference. In this mounted position, the split ring with the bag gripped therein may be manually rotated in either direction so that access can be had to pockets 5 and 5a, golf bag handle 6, and shoulder strap 7. In this connection, it should be noted that elements 1 and 2 should be located a sufficient distance from the cart post 8 to provide clearance for the bag pockets, handle, and strap.
Another embodiment of our invention is illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 wherein the rotatable split ring assembly and base are suitably mounted in a bag receiving section of a conventional motorized golf cart. Rotatable base 2 is secured to floor 53 of cart 51 and the split ring 1 is attached to wall 54 thereof. The elements 1 and 2 are installed in axial alignment with one another and the ring 1 is spaced above base 2 at a height sufficient to accommodate the top of a conventional golf bag. The invention as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is the same in every respect as that shown in FIGS. 1 through 10 with the exception that this embodiment is altered to adapt it to a different type of golfing vehicle. Mounting of the elements 1 and 2 could also be accomplished by utilizing an L-shaped pipe frame, not shown, similar to frame elements 9 and 10, with the base 2 being secured to the short leg of the L and the ring clamped to the top of the long leg of the L.
The entire assembly consisting of the L-shaped frame, split ring 1, and rotatable base 2 could then be mounted at any convenient position or angle in the motorized golf cart. In the alternative, elements 1 and 2 could be mounted, as shown, with base 2 secured to floor 53 and ring 1 attached to wall 54. The exact mode of attachment is of little consequence, provided the elements 1 and 2 are in axial alignment with one another and engage the opposite extremeties of a conventional golf bag to facilitate free rotation thereof. In either event, elements 1 and 2 must be positioned to permit free rotation of the bag, as previously described.
While we have illustrated and described two embodiments of our rotatable golf bag holder, it is to be understood that various changes and improvements may be made therein without departing from the scope of the appended claims.